Sumitomo Metals purchases the equipment, supplies, and raw materials that are required for our operations from a broad range of suppliers in Japan and overseas. During this process, we make sure to observe all related laws, respect the principles of free competition and equal opportunity, and conduct fair and transparent business dealings. Through means such as purchasing long-life products and utilizing underused facilities, we are also working to minimize the environmental impact of supplies purchasing. In addition to creating mutual trust and partnerships with our suppliers achieve purchasing with optimal quality, price, and delivery times, we also are helping to create new corporate value in our purchasing through collaborations for rationalizing and improving (valoe-added) materials and supplies, and for optimized and cost-effective equipment design.
